Manson Family Member Is Again Denied Parole
FRONTERA, Calif. — Former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten was refused parole again Tuesday after an emotional two-hour hearing during which family members of two victims killed by the Manson group pleaded that she be kept in prison for the rest of her life.
Van Houten, 50, appearing haggard and aged beyond her years, told the parole board that she wished to be released into society as an anonymous person.
“I believe what I did is inexcusable,” she said. “You can never make it right, and I sincerely apologize for all the pain the family went through.”
California Board of Prison Terms Chairman Manuel E. Ortega said the viciousness of the crimes was the main reason Van Houten was being denied parole.
Van Houten was 19 when she joined Charles Manson’s bizarre cult. In August 1969, Manson sent his followers out on two nights of murders, first to the home of actress Sharon Tate, who was slain with four others, and then to the home of Rosemary and Leno La Bianca, who owned a grocery business.
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